SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5inches long. The longer leg is 1inch longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is 5inches long. The longer leg is 1inch longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.       Log On


   

Question 907533: The hypotenuse of a right triangle is
5inches
long. The longer leg is
1inch
longer than the shorter leg. Find the side lengths of the triangle.
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x the shorter leg
x^2 + (x+1)^2 = 25
x^2 + x^2 + 2x+ 1 = 25
2x^2 + 2x - 24 = 0
x^2 + x - 12 = 0
(x+4)(x-3)= 0 (Tossing out the negative solution for unit measure)
x= 3, the shorter leg. The longer leg is 4 3%2B1
and..checking
9 + 16 = 25